Putting the report out a good step, but answers needed
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
On Monday afternoon, the Coatesville Area School District released the investigative report compiled by Conrad O’Brien and submitted to the board and administration in April of 2014. it details gross mismanagement, bullying, conspiracy, probable obstruction of justice and more — much as the Grand Jury report...

In beleaguered school district, kids, community are finally coming first
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
If you watched the TV news yesterday, or read some of the local media, yesterday was a terrible day for the Coatesville area community.
But I’m here to say this: I don’t agree.
When we watched Richard Como — the former superintendent of schools, disgraced in just about every way possible...

Grand jury report slams Coatesville Area Board of Education for mismanagement, cover-up
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan details charges against former Coatesville Superintendent Richard Como and former Coatesville High School Athletic Director James Donato, as the new Coatesville Superintendent, Dr. Cathy Taschner looks on.
WEST CHESTER — Following...

Will be formally introduced at March 25 meeting
Dr. Cathy Taschner has been named as the new Superintendent of Schools for the Coatesville Area School District. She will be formally introduced at a March 25 meeting. Image courtesy Susquehanna Township School District.
CALN — Dr. Cathy Taschner — no stranger to controversy in her current role as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Susquehanna...

Members ask Dr. Taylor to step aside for matters related to CASD
By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times
COATESVILLE – NAACP members called for Coatesville Area NAACP Chapter President Dr. Tonya Thames Taylor to recuse herself at the NAACP general meeting Monday night at City Hall, suggesting that her role as a school board member has prevented her from taking actions in the best interests...

Residents invited to speak on Oct. 15 at Second Baptist Church
As promised at the last Coatesville Area School District meeting, the Pennsylvania State Conference of NAACP Branches, through its Education Committee, has arranged for public hearings to be held in Coatesville, “in the wake of turmoil caused by the overtly racist and sexist actions” of two former CASD administrators.
The hearings...

Public, politicians call for action as attorneys continue sparring
By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times
Protestors gather on the steps of the Benner Administration Building. Many called for the resignation of the entire school board in response to recent events.
COATESVILLE – Chanting “the board must go!” a group of about 50 citizens marched from Ash Park to the Benner Administration...

Rep. for Hawa claims he was forced to ignore orders from DA
Updated, 4:25 p.m.: adds comment from Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan
By Mike McGann and Kathleen Brady Shea, The Times
Acting Coatesville Area School District Superintendent Angelo Romaniello (right) is facing allegations that he countermanded directives from Chester Couynty District Attorney Tom Hogan to keep the school...

CASD school board disrespects residents for no good reason
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
CALN — I’ve been to a lot of Board of Education meetings over the years, some compelling, some downright boring, but until Tuesday night, I’ve never been to one that could be described with one word:
Shameful.
The Coatesville Area School District Board of Education endured (I wish I could use the...

Despite 3-hours of public comment asking for firings, board votes 6-1 to accept resignations
By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times
A packed and angry crowd overflowed the auditorium at Coatesville Area School, Tuesday, calling for the firing of former Superintendent of Schools Richard Como and former Athletic Director Jame Donato, after it was determined the two had exchanged numerous racially...